Iger Provides Unfortunate New Disney Cast Member Layoff Plan Details

Disney CEO, Bob Iger announces when to expect Cast Member layoffs and how this will affect Disney now and going forward.

Hiring Freeze Remained in Place with Iger

Bob Iger returned as Disney CEO back in November 2022. Since that time we have seen restructuring with many high-level executives exiting the Walt Disney Company.

Before his departure, Bob Chapek announced a hiring freeze for the company. He stated, “Hiring for the small subset of the most critical, business-driving positions will continue, but all other positions are on hold.”

Back in November, Iger hosted a Town Hall meeting and addressed this hiring freeze. Iger shared, He stated that he did not have any plans to reverse the freeze.

Massive Layoffs Announced

Last month, during the First Quarter Earnings Call, Bob Iger shared that the Walt Disney Company will look to streamline the company. During this call, Iger announced that the Walt Disney Company will be cutting $5.5 billion in costs.

In order to meet this need to cut costs, huge job reductions will be coming. Bob Iger announced a workforce reduction of 7,000 jobs. Iger shares, 

“While it is necessary to address the challenges we are facing today, I do not make this decision lightly.”

Robert Iger, Disney CEO

Reason for Layoff

Today, Iger shared current and future layoff details. First, he re-emphasized that the massive layout is part of the “strategic realignment of the company, including cost-saving measures necessary for creating a more effective, coordinated and streamlined approach to our business.”

Then, he stated that senior leaders have been working with human resources to assess their operational needs.

Update

Per Bob Iger:

“This week we begin notifying employees whose positions are impacted by the company’s workforce reductions. Leaders will be communicating directly to the first group of impacted employees over the next four days.

A second, larger round of notifications will happen in April with several thousand more staff reductions, and we expect to commence the final round of notifications before the beginning of summer to reach our 7,000 job target.”

Robert Iger, Disney CEO

Personal Message

While Bob Iger is clear in the company’s plans to enact the layoff, he shares his appreciation with Cast Members too. On this Cast Member communication he says “The difficult reality of many colleagues and friends leaving Disney is not something we take lightly. This company is home to the most talented employees in the world.”

In tough moments, we must always to what is required to ensure Disney can continue delivering exceptional entertainment to audiences and guests around the world – now, and long into the future.

Bob Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company

What are your thoughts on Iger’s message? Do you think the layoffs will help Disney streamline the company? Please share your thoughts in the comments below and share this post with a friend.